What is it?

Goji is a native Chinese deciduous shrub with bright red berries. The dried berries and root bark are used to make medicine.

Goji is used for many conditions, but so far, there isn't enough scientific evidence to determine whether or not it is effective for any of them.

Goji is used for diabetes, high blood pressure, poor circulation, fever, malaria, and cancer. It's also used for erectile dysfunction (ED), dizziness, ringing in the ears (tinnitus); and to reduce fever, sweating, irritability, thirst, nosebleeds, cough, and wheezing.

Some people use goji as an eye tonic for blurred vision, for macular degeneration, and for other eye disorders. Goji is also used to strengthen muscles and bone, and as a blood, liver, and kidney tonic.

In foods, the berries are eaten raw or used in cooking.

The use of goji was first described in the first century AD in Chinese literature. Traditionally, goji has been used to promote longevity. Legend claims that one herbalist who used goji in combination with other tonic herbs lived 252 years.

Quality of life. Some early research shows that drinking goji juice (GoChi, Freelife International LLC) for 14-30 days improves energy levels, athletic performance, sleep quality, sharpness of the mind, calmness, feelings of health and contentment, mood, and bowel regularity. However, other evidence suggests that drinking the same goji juice does not improve short-term memory or eyesight in healthy adults.

Weight loss. Early research suggests that drinking goji juice (GoChi, Freelife International LLC) for 2 weeks in addition to following a diet and exercise program may decrease waist size in healthy, overweight adults. However, it does not appear to improve weight or body fat.

Diabetes.

High blood pressure.

Fever.

Malaria.

Cancer.

Blood circulation problems.

Sexual problems (impotence).

Dizziness.

Ringing in the ears (tinnitus).

Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of goji for these uses.

How does it work?

Are there safety concerns?

Goji is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken appropriately by mouth, short-term. It can cause some side effects such as nausea and vomiting.

Special precautions & warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Taking goji by mouth during pregnancy is LIKELY UNSAFE. It contains a chemical, betaine, which could cause miscarriage. Don't use goji if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Allergy to protein in certain products: Goji might cause an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to tobacco, peaches, tomatoes, and nuts.

Are there interactions with medications?

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Goji might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking goji along with some medications that are broken down by the liver can increase the effects and side effects of some medications. Before taking goji, talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the liver.

Warfarin (Coumadin) is used to slow blood clotting. Goji might increase how long warfarin (Coumadin) is in the body, and increase the chances of bruising and bleeding. Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. The dose of your warfarin (Coumadin) might need to be changed.

Are there interactions with herbs and supplements?

Herbs and supplements that might lower blood pressure

Goji root bark might lower blood pressure. Using it along with other herbs and supplements that lower blood pressure might lower blood pressure too much. Some of these products include danshen, ginger, Panax ginseng, turmeric, valerian, and others.

Are there interactions with foods?

There are no known interactions with foods.

What dose is used?

The appropriate dose of goji depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for goji. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

This copyrighted, evidence-based medicine resource is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database disclaims any responsibility related to consequences of using any product. This monograph should not replace advice from a healthcare professional and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition.